Game event display with a scrollable graphical game play feed

ABSTRACT

A method is disclosed for receiving a plurality of play events associated with a sporting event, wherein each play event of the plurality of play events comprises a game clock time, a description, and identifies a sports team of a plurality of sports teams; for each play event in the plurality of play events: generating a graphical tile that is associated with the play event; configuring an appearance of the graphical tile based, at least in part, on the description and the sports team of the play event; causing to display a graphical tile list in a graphical user interface of a mobile computing device, wherein the graphical tile list includes one or more of the graphical tiles listed in a chronological order based on the game clock time in the play event associated with each graphical tile.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS; BENEFIT CLAIM

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC §120 as a continuationof application Ser. No. 14/011,659, filed Aug. 27, 2013, which claimsthe benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of application 61/870,182, filedAug. 26, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. The applicantshereby rescind any disclaimer of claim scope in the parent applicationsor the prosecution history thereof and advise the USPTO that the claimsin this application may be broader than any claim in the parentapplications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to displaying information about gameplays for sporting events in the context of computer display devices.The disclosure relates more specifically to techniques for displaying ascrolling summary of game plays associated with a sporting event inmobile computing devices.

BACKGROUND

The approaches described in this section could be pursued, but are notnecessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued.Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches describedin this section are not prior art to the claims in this application andare not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Certain games, or sporting events, are comprised of plays. A play may bea series of movements by at least one player, frequently in concert witha team of players, to score points, achieve a goal, or advance theposition of a team, ball, puck, or other object(s). Examples includeplays in the American game of football. Frequently, another player, orteam of players, acts in opposition to prevent advancement.

Fans frequently review game plays for the purpose of experiencing theplay again, viewing details of the play, or analysis of the play or thegame. For example, fans will review one or more plays in which a scorewas made. Accordingly, plays may be made available to fans to review.One method of presenting reviewable plays is to post links to a handfulof key plays on a website. However, merely linking to plays may beoverwhelming and difficult for a fan to find a particular play that thefan wants to review. Therefore, there is a need for improved techniquesof displaying information about game plays.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The appended claims may serve as a summary of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example networked computer system configured toprocess game play data and provide display data useful in mobilecomputing devices.

FIG. 1B illustrates a process for receiving play events, and displayingplay event icons corresponding to the received play events in a barwithin a graphical user interface, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a process for receiving and/or determining game playdata, generating markers, updating existing play event icons andmarkers, and displaying the updated play event icons and markers, in anexample embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a process for receiving and applying a filter to thereceived play events, and displaying the graphical tiles and/or the playevent icons that correspond to the play events that satisfy the filter,in an example embodiment.

FIG. 4A illustrates a graphical tile list that includes a plurality ofgraphical tiles and an annotated scroll bar with a compressed frame andgame-state markers, in an example embodiment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a graphical tile list that includes a plurality ofgraphical tiles and an annotated scroll bar with an expanded frame andgame-state markers, in an example embodiment.

FIG. 4C illustrates a graphical tile list that includes a plurality ofgraphical tiles and an annotated scroll bar with a compressed indicatorand game-state markers, in an example embodiment.

FIG. 4D illustrates a graphical tile list that includes a plurality ofgraphical tiles and an annotated scroll bar with an expanded indicatorand game-state markers, in an example embodiment.

FIG. 4E illustrates a graphical tile list that includes a plurality ofgraphical tiles, including super graphical tiles and nested graphicaltiles, in an example embodiments.

FIG. 4F illustrates a graphical tile list that includes a plurality ofgraphical tiles, including super graphical tiles and nested graphicaltiles, in an example embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a drive chart on an examplemobile device 40 of FIG. 1A, in an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 presents a real time play event for a recent play during a livesporting event, in an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 presents a real time play event for a recent play during a livesporting event, in an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a computer system upon which an embodiment may beimplemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Techniques for displaying a scrollable graphical game play feedassociated with a sporting event are described. In the followingdescription, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific detailsare set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of thepresent invention. It will be apparent, however, that the presentinvention may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagramform in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

Embodiments are described herein according to the following outline:

-   -   1.0 General Overview    -   2.0 Structural and Functional Overview        -   2.1 Technical Context        -   2.2 Play Events        -   2.3 Process Overview        -   2.4 Updating Play Event Icons and Generating Markers        -   2.5 Filtering Graphical Tiles    -   3.0 Example Graphical User Interface with Scrollable Graphical        Tiles        -   3.1 Graphical Tiles        -   3.2 Super Graphical Tiles and Nested Graphical Tiles        -   3.3 Play Event Icons        -   3.4 Markers        -   3.5 Fames and Indicators        -   3.6 Drive Chart        -   3.7 Application    -   4.0 Implementation Mechanisms—Hardware Overview    -   5.0 Extensions and Alternatives

1.0 General Overview

Displaying a scrollable graphical game play feed associated with asporting event is described. In an embodiment, a method comprisesreceiving a plurality of play events associated with a sporting event,wherein each play event of the plurality of play events comprises a gameclock time, a description, and identifies a sports team of a pluralityof sports teams; for each play event in the plurality of play events:generating a graphical tile that is associated with the play event;configuring an appearance of the graphical tile based, at least in part,on the description and the sports team of the play event; causing todisplay a graphical tile list in a graphical user interface of a mobilecomputing device, wherein the graphical tile list includes one or moreof the graphical tiles listed in a chronological order based on the gameclock time in the play event associated with each graphical tile. Insome embodiments, the chronological order is reverse chronologicalorder.

In some embodiments, each play event of the plurality of play events maybe associated with an event type; for each play event in the pluralityof play events an icon may be determined based, at least in part, on theevent type that is associated with the play event, and the icon may bedisplayed in the graphical tile associated with the play event. Eachplay event of the plurality of play events may be associated with amedia type. For each play event in the plurality of play eventsassociated with at least a particular media type an icon may bedetermined based, at least in part, on the media type that is associatedwith the play event. The icon may be displayed in the graphical tileassociated with the play event.

In some embodiments, a selection of a particular team may be received;in response to receiving the selection, the plurality of play events maybe filtered to include play events of the particular team. At least onegraphical tile associated with at least one play event in the pluralityof play events that is associated with the particular team may be causedto be displayed. Each graphical tile associated with each play event inthe plurality of play events that is not associated with the particularteam may be caused to not be displayed. Additionally or alternatively,each play event of the plurality of play events may be associated withan event type, and a selection may be received for a particular eventtype; in response to receiving the selection, the plurality of playevents may be filtered to include only play events of the event type. Atleast one graphical tile associated with at least one play event in theplurality of play events that is associated with the particular eventtype may be caused to be displayed. Each graphical tile associated witheach play event in the plurality of play events that is not associatedwith the particular event type may be caused to not be displayed.

In some embodiments, a new play event comprising a new game clock timeand identifying a sports team of the plurality of sports teams may bereceived; a new graphical tile for the new play event may be generated.The new graphical tile may be customized based, at least in part, on thesports team of the new play event. The new graphical tile may be causedto be displayed in the graphical tile list in a position based, at leastin part, on the new game clock time.

In some embodiments, the graphical tile list may be a scrollable list ofgraphical tiles. For each play event in a subset of the plurality ofplay events, the play event may be associated with a particular iconfrom among a plurality of different icons based, at least in part, onthe sports team of the play event. A scroll bar adjacent to thescrollable list of graphical tiles may be caused to be displayed in thegraphical user interface. The scroll bar may represent at least aportion of a time duration of the sporting event. For each play event inthe subset of the plurality of play events, the particular icon, at aparticular linear position, in the scroll bar may be caused to bedisplay. The particular linear position may be based, at least in part,on the game clock time of the play event.

In some embodiments, each play event of the plurality of play eventsrepresents one or more plays in the sporting event and includes adescription of the one or more plays. The appearance of a graphical tilemay be configured to use the description in the play event associatedwith the graphical tile.

In some embodiments, a particular graphical tile represents a drive ofan American football game comprising a plurality of plays. Uponreceiving a selection for the particular graphical tile, a drive chartillustrating the forward progress of each play in the plurality of playsmay be caused to be displayed.

In some embodiments, a particular graphical tile that is associated witha particular play event may be caused to be displayed. The particularplay event may represent a drive in an American football game, andcomprise a set of play events. Each play event in the set of play eventsmay represent a play that is part of the drive. A first selectionselecting the particular graphical tile may be received; in response toreceiving the first selection, a plurality of graphical tiles may becaused to be displayed, each of which may be associated with a playevent in the set of play events. A second selection selecting a certaingraphical tile of the plurality of graphical tiles may be received; inresponse to receiving the second selection, recorded media contentcontained or referenced in the play event associated with the certaingraphical tile may be caused to be displayed.

In some embodiments, a particular graphical tile may be associated witha particular play event that represents a play recorded from a pluralityof camera angles. A first selection selecting the particular graphicaltile may be received; in response to receiving the first selection, aplurality of graphical tiles may be caused to be displayed. Each of theplurality of graphical tiles may be associated with a single cameraangle of the plurality of camera angles of the play. A second selectionselecting a certain graphical tile of the plurality of graphical tilesmay be received; in response to receiving the second selection, the playrecorded from the single camera angle associated with the certaingraphical tile may be caused to be displayed.

In other embodiments, the invention encompasses a computer apparatus anda computer-readable medium configured to carry out the foregoing steps.

2.0 Structural and Functional Overview

2.1 Technical Context

FIG. 1A illustrates an example networked computer system configured toprocess game play data and provide display data useful in mobilecomputing devices. In an embodiment, a stadium 10 comprises a site atwhich a sporting event or game is played. Stadium 10 broadly representsany form of arena, field, ground or grounds, park, or other place atwhich a sporting event may be played or undertaken. Typically stadium 10comprises a playing field, pitch, track or other game play facility,seating for public attendees, and fixed or mobile facilities fortechnical personnel who are involved in producing a broadcast, telecast,or other recording of the sporting event. Various embodiments mayinclude stadiums 10 of any size and this disclosure specificallycontemplates the use of stadiums with seating for any of a few hundredto in excess of 50,000 attendees or fans.

One or more game data sources 12 are positioned within or near thestadium and are configured to obtain or record data about game play.Examples of game data sources include television or video cameras, soundrecording equipment, computers associated with statisticians or gamecoverage personnel, and support infrastructure for any of the foregoing.Output of game data sources 12 may include digital or analog audiovisualfeeds representing television or video of the game, pure digital data orstructured data comprising metadata for the game or play events,transcripts, commentary, and other data representing the game or playevents.

Game data sources 12 are communicatively coupled to networkinfrastructure 14 in stadium 10. Network infrastructure 14 may comprisewired network interfaces, wireless access points, routers, switches,access servers, authentication servers, cabling, and related networkingor internetworking equipment or gear.

In an embodiment, network infrastructure is coupled to one or morepublic networks 30 which may comprise any of a LAN, WAN, internetworks,or internets. In an embodiment, a server computer 16 is coupled to thenetwork 30; additionally or alternatively, the server computer may havea direct connection to the network infrastructure, for example, when theserver computer is co-located with the stadium 10 or located nearby.

A plurality of mobile devices 40 are coupled to network infrastructure14 and are located within stadium 10. In various embodiments, mobiledevices 40 may comprise any of smartphones, tablet computers, personaldigital assistants, netbook computers, ultrabook computers, laptopcomputers or other mobile devices. In one embodiment, the mobile devices40 are associated with attendees of stadium 10 and there may bethousands of mobile devices having concurrently active connections tothe network infrastructure 14. Connections may be wired, or may bewireless via wireless access points that are located throughout stadium10 in positions adjacent to seats in the stadium or in other locationscapable of establishing and maintaining multiple concurrent connectionsto the mobile devices 40.

Server computer 16 in FIG. 1A broadly represents one or more physicalcomputers, clusters, or processors in cloud service providers or datacenters. In various embodiments, any number of such computers may beused. In one embodiment, server computer 16 comprises a game datainterface unit 18, a play event processing unit 20, and a presentationunit 22. In an embodiment, game data interface unit 18 is configured torequest and/or receive game play data from game data sources 12 and toformat, transform, or otherwise process the game play data for use inother functional units. For example, game data interface unit canperform buffering, classification and categorization functions.

In an embodiment, the play event processing unit 20 is configured toperform filtering, selection, association and other functions in themanner described further herein in connection with the process diagrams.

In an embodiment, the presentation unit 22 is configured to generatedata that can drive displays of external computing devices such assmartphones, tablet computers, other mobile devices, personal computers,web browsers, and other systems. For example, in one embodiment thepresentation unit may implement an HTTP server and/or one or more mobiledevice server-side applications that can interoperate with compatibleclient-side applications or “apps” on the mobile computing devices 40 toprovide data that the apps are capable of rendering in a graphical userinterface on the mobile computing devices. Specific example embodimentsof screen displays for a mobile computing device user interface aredescribed further herein.

2.2 Play Events

In an embodiment, a play event may include a description of one or moreplays. Additionally or alternatively, a play event may include, orreference, a recorded segment of a game. For example, a play event mayinclude a play in a sporting event recorded by one or more devices andstored on one or more non-transitory storage media. “Recorded,” in thissense, includes obtaining pictures, sound, or data, or a combination,relating to a segment of a game as the game is played, and also includesreplaying previously recorded pictures, sound and/or data for a segmentof a game that was played in the past. Thus, a segment of a game may betransiently recorded as it occurs, or replayed from stored audiovisualdata. Additionally or alternatively, a play event may include, orreference, a series of plays in a sporting event. A series of plays mayinclude a set of field movements or drives. The series of plays may becontinuous and linear in time. Additionally or alternatively, a drivemay begin when a team first gains possession of the ball, and mayconclude when one or more conditions are satisfied: the possessing teamscores a goal, the possessing team loses possession of the ball, and/ora particular time period ends. Additionally or alternatively, a drivemay be determined by analyzing text, such as the description, in one ormore play events. For example, if a play event description indicates ateam receives possession of the ball, the play event may indicate thebeginning of a drive. Similarly, if a play event description indicatesthe team scores, the play event may indicate the end of a drive. A drivemay correspond to a play event, which comprises a set of play events.Additionally or alternatively, a drive may correspond to a differentdata structure that includes or references the set of play events.Additionally or alternatively, the series of plays may be recordedsegments of a game stitched together from disjoint time periods, fromvarious points of view, and/or highlighting one or more players orteams. For example, a play event may include, or reference, a series ofvideo clips stitched together of a team receiving a ball, proceeding tothe other end of the playing field, and scoring one or more points.Additionally or alternatively, a play event may include, or reference, aplurality of play events. Typically, mobile device 40 receives playevents in real time within milliseconds or seconds after the descriptionis generated and/or media included or referenced in the play event isrecorded.

A play event may be associated with one or more event types. Forexample, in American football, a play event may be associated with“interceptions”, “punts”, “drives”, “scoring plays”, “touchdowns”,“field goals”, “penalties,” “personal fouls”, “special teams plays,”“big offensive plays”, and/or “big defensive plays”.

A play event may be associated with a particular team. For example, aplay event may be associated with a team that has possession of the ballat the beginning and/or end of a particular play. Additionally oralternatively, a play event may be associated with one or more teams toindicate that the one or more teams are highlighted in the play event.Additionally or alternatively, a play event may be associated with ateam by an operator. Additionally or alternatively, a play event may beassociated with a team automatically.

A play event may be associated with one or more players. For example,one or more players may be highlighted in a play event. Accordingly, theplay event may be associated with each of the highlighted players.

A play event may include, or reference, one or more statistics or gamestates. For example, a play event may include the yards gained duringthe game play, the distance left to achieve a milestone (e.g., a firstdown in an American football game), the number of plays that have beenplayed since the most recent milestone, the period or quarter number,the points scored or goals achieved if any, the type of score or goal ifany, an indicator as to whether a team has an additional opportunity toscore points or achieve a goal, a unique play identifier, one or morepenalties issued during the play if any, the score, the position of aball, advancement of a team, the number of points one or more playershave scored, the time of day at the beginning and/or end of the playevent, the state of the game play clock at the beginning and/or end ofthe play event, the number of plays contained in the play event, thelength of the play event, the game-clock time or actual time each playevent covers, and a time in one or more time zones.

FIG. 6 presents a real time play event for a professional Americanfootball play that may be received by mobile device 40, in an exampleembodiment. In this example, play event 600 is in eXtensible MarkupLanguage (“XML”) format. However, other data interchange formats can beused as well. Play event 600 indicates that a play occurred, provides anidentifier for the play, specifies the team to which the play pertains,specifies the team in possession of the ball when the play commenced,indicates that no penalty occurred on the play, specifies that the playdid not result in a score, indicates that the play was not the last playof a quarter, specifies that the play did not commence when the team inpossession was goal to go with respect to the non-possessing team's endzone, indicates the time left in the current quarter when the playcompleted, indicates the time of day when the play completed, specifiesthe current quarter, specifies the current down when the play commenced,indicates the number of yards to go for a first down when the playcommenced, and specifies the yard line the play started on. Play event600 also includes a textual play description. Some or all of thisinformation may be used by a graphical game play feed application torender or display graphical tiles, play event icons, and/or recent playindicators on a display of mobile device 40.

FIG. 7 presents a real time play event for a professional Americanfootball play that may be received by mobile device 40, in an exampleembodiment. In this example, play event 700 is in XML format. However,other data interchange formats can be used as well. Play event 700,among other things, indicates that a play occurred and that the play wasa “big” or important play, provides an identifier for the game, providesan identifier for the play, indicates that the play ended in a score,specifies the active team or the team that scored, specifies the hometeam by an identifier and abbreviation, specifies the visiting team byan identifier and abbreviation, specifies the quarter the play tookplace in, and specifies the game clock at the beginning of the play.Play event 700 includes a textual play description. Play event 700 alsoincludes a reference to a recorded video of the play described in thedescription with an address to retrieve the video stored as a uniformresource location (“URL”). The media reference includes a videoidentifier as well as several textual descriptions related to areferenced video: a headline, a caption for the referenced video, and adescriptive URL. Some or all of this information may be used by agraphical game play feed application to render or display graphicaltiles, play event icons, and/or recent play indicators on a display ofmobile device 40.

2.3 Process Overview

FIG. 1B illustrates a process for receiving play events, and displayinggraphical tiles corresponding to the received play events in a graphicaltile list within a graphical user interface, according to an embodiment.While FIG. 1B illustrates example steps according to an embodiment,other embodiments may omit, add to, reorder, and/or modify any of thesteps shown. Referring now to FIG. 1B, in step 110, an applicationreceives play events. For example, the application receives a pluralityof play events from a server or a server application.

Additionally, the application may disregard play events that are notimportant. Each play event may include a field, which when selected orset to a particular value designates that the play event is important.Additionally or alternatively, one or more play events may be nested ina data structure designating that the play event is important.Additionally or alternatively, the application may determine a playevent is important based, at least in part, on the play event'sdescription. For example, the application may determine that a playevent is important if the description includes particular words, such as“goal.” Accordingly, if the application determines that a play event isimportant then the application may continue to process the play event,otherwise the application may discard or ignore the play event, at leastwith respect to generating graphical tiles.

In step 130, the application associates each play event with a team. Forexample, the application may determine which team a play event should beassociated with based, at least in part, on the play event descriptionand/or other data included in the play event. Additionally oralternatively, a play event may include a field that designates anassociated team.

In step 135, the application associates each play event with an eventtype. For example, the application may determine which event types aplay event should be associated with based, at least in part, on theplay event description and/or other data included in the play event.Additionally or alternatively, a play event may include a field thatdesignates one or more event types. For example, a play event mayinclude a field that designates that the play event describes an“interception” and “scoring” play, each of which may be an event type.

In step 140, the application generates a graphical tile for each playevent. For example, for each play event the application may generate agraphical tile based, at least in part, on the team associated with theplay event (determined in step 130) and/or the event type(s) associatedwith the play event (determined in step 135). Additionally, theapplication may select a play event icon for one or more of the playevents. For example, if a play event is determined to be important, thenthe application may select a play event icon based, at least in part, onthe team associated with the play event and/or the event type(s)associated with the play event.

In step 150, the application displays one or more graphical tiles withina graphical tile list in a graphical user interface. For example, theapplication may include each of the generated graphical tiles in thegraphical list. The application may cause to display all of thegenerated graphical tiles or a subset of the generated graphical tilesin the graphical tile list based, at least in part, on the display areaof the device the application is running on and/or the portion or thedisplay area allocated to display the graphical tiles or graphical tilelist. As seen in an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, discussed indetail below, four graphical tiles may not be completely displayedsimultaneously. The position of each graphical tile in the graphicaltile list may be based, at least in part, on the data, such as the gameplay clock, in each corresponding play event.

Additionally, the application may display the play event icons within abar in the graphical user interface. For example, for each play eventthat a play event icon was selected for, the application may display theselected play event icon in a scroll bar. The position of each playevent icon in the scroll bar may be based, at least in part, on the datain each corresponding play event.

In step 160, the application receives new play events. For example, theapplication may receive one or more new play events. Accordingly, theapplication may repeat steps 130 through 150 for the newly received playevents.

2.4 Updating Play Event Icons and Generating Markers

The appearances of play event icons, markers, or any other visualelements (discussed in herein), are driven from game play data and mayoccur automatically in response to parsing the game play data. FIG. 2illustrates a process for receiving and/or determining game play data,generating markers, updating existing play event icons and markers, anddisplaying the updated play event icons and markers, in an exampleembodiment. While FIG. 2 illustrates example steps according to anembodiment, other embodiments may omit, add to, reorder, and/or modifyany of the steps shown. Referring now to FIG. 2, in step 210, anapplication receives and/or determines game play data. For example, anapplication may receive game play data from a server or a serverapplication. The game play data may be in formatted XML and/or any otherproprietary or conventional data interchange formats readable by theapplication. The game play data may include play events or other datarelated to the game, such as the current game clock time, the currentscore, or the current position of a team or ball.

In step 220, the application generates markers. For example, in responseto receiving game play data that the game clock has been reset for a newquarter, the application may generate a marker, which indicates thebeginning of the new quarter.

In step 230, the application updates and displays the play event iconsand markers in a graphical user interface. For example, in response togenerating one or more markers in step 220, the application may displaythe one or more markers. The marker(s) displayed may be in a scroll barand/or inserted into a graphical tile list to visually demarcate playevent icons and/or graphical tiles corresponding to play events withgame clock times in a particular quarter or period. Furthermore, inresponse to receiving the game play data in step 220, the applicationmay update the position of the play event icons, graphical tiles, and/orpreviously displayed markers.

2.5 Filtering Graphical Tiles

Graphical tiles may be filtered based, at least in part, by event type,team, player, game clock time, media included or referenced, and/or anyother data or attribute included, referenced, or associated with a playevent. FIG. 3 illustrates a process for receiving and applying a filterto the received play events, and displaying the graphical tiles and/orthe play event icons that correspond to the play events that satisfy thefilter, in an example embodiment. While FIG. 3 illustrates example stepsaccording to an embodiment, other embodiments may omit, add to, reorder,and/or modify any of the steps shown. Referring now to FIG. 3, in step310, an application receives a selected filter. For example, anapplication may receive user input selecting all play events thatinclude or reference a type of content (e.g., video), are associatedwith a particular team, and/or are associated with one or more eventtypes (e.g., scoring plays).

In step 320, the application displays one or more graphical tiles andcorresponding play event icons which correspond to play events thatsatisfy the filter. For example, in response to receiving the filter inthe previous example, the application may remove from the graphical listany graphical tile that does not correspond to a play event that is notassociated with the particular team, is not scoring play, or does notinclude or reference a video replay. The application may also removefrom display any play event icon that does not correspond to a playevent that is not associated with the particular team, is not scoringplay, or does not include or reference a video replay. Furthermore, theapplication may cause to display any graphical tile in the graphicaltile list that corresponds to a play event that is associated with theparticular team, is a scoring play, and includes or references a video.The application may also cause to display any play event icons thatcorresponds to a play event that is associated with the particular team,is a scoring play, and includes or references a video.

3.0 Example Graphical User Interface with Scrollable Graphical Tiles

Play events may be displayed in an application executed on a mobiledevice 40 for users to scroll through and view. FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG.4C, FIG. 4D, FIG. 4E, and FIG. 4F illustrate a graphical tile list thatincludes a plurality of graphical tiles in various example embodiments.FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, and FIG. 4D also illustrate a graphical tilelist that includes an annotated scroll bar and game-state markers, invarious example embodiments. FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, FIG. 4D, FIG.4E, and FIG. 4F illustrate various example embodiments for purposes ofillustrating clear examples, other embodiments may omit add to, reorder,and/or modify any of the elements shown. In the embodiments illustratedin FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, FIG. 4D, FIG. 4E, and FIG. 4F, application400 includes graphical tile list 405. Additionally, in the embodimentsillustrated in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, and FIG. 4D, application 400includes bar 450. Bar 450 includes play event icons 460, 462, 464, 466,and 468, and markers 471, 472, and 473.

3.1 Graphical Tiles

In FIGS. 4A and 4C, graphical tile list 405 includes graphical tile 410,graphical tile 412, and graphical tile 414. In FIG. 4B and FIG. 4D,graphical tile list 405 includes graphical tile 416 and graphical tile418. Graphical tiles 410, 412, 414, 416, and 418 may each be associatedwith, and/or correspond to, a play event, and may include or referencethe data included or referenced in the play event. For example,graphical tiles 410, 412, 414, 416, and 418 each include a descriptionfrom the corresponding play event, which refers to one or more playsduring a game. The appearance of graphical tiles or any other visualelements, such as a description in a graphical tile, or presence orabsence of an icon (discussed in detail herein), is driven from gameplay data and may occur automatically in response to parsing the gameplay data.

Graphical tiles 410, 412, 414, 416, and 418 may each include otherinformation determined by application 400 or included in thecorresponding play event. For example, a graphical tile may include thecorresponding play event statistics, such as the state of the game playclock, the position of the ball, and/or the score at the end of the playevent. As illustrated in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4D, graphical tile 416displays data included in a play event that includes or references mediathat spans from 3:56 in the second quarter to 2:08 in the secondquarter. Also as illustrated in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4D, graphical tile 418displays data included in a play event that includes or references mediathat spans from 6:42 in the second quarter to 3:56 in the secondquarter.

Graphical tiles may be color coded based, at least in part, on thecorresponding play event. For example, graphical tile 416 is shadeddifferently than graphical tile 418. Also, for the purpose ofillustrating a clear example, assume that the play event correspondingwith graphical tile 416 is associated with the first team. Accordingly,the application 400 may display graphical tile 416 with a first color.Further assume that the play event corresponding with graphical tile 418is associated with a second team. Accordingly, the application 400 maydisplay graphical tile 418 with a second, different color. The color(s)of a graphical tile may be determined based, at least in part, on thegraphical tile's corresponding play event, the team color(s) of the teamassociated with the corresponding play event, and/or some other internalor external mapping.

Graphical tiles may be visually different based, at least in part, onthe event types associated with the corresponding play event. Forexample, a graphical tile may include one or more icons, such as an iconwith an upright stand to indicate that the corresponding play event isassociated with a field goal or extra point. A graphical tile mayinclude an icon with arms extended upright to indicate that thecorresponding play event is associated with a score, such as atouchdown. A graphical tile may include an icon with arms crossed toindicate that the corresponding play event is associated with a personalfoul. Additionally or alternatively, a graphical tile may include anicon, such as a logo, for the team associated with the correspondingplay event. Graphical tiles may include a plurality of icons and/orcolors. Additionally or alternatively, a graphical tile may include anicon, such as icon 924, which indicates that one or more players wereinjured during the portion of the game associated with the play event.Additionally or alternatively, a graphical tile may include an icon,such as icon 944, which indicates that a game rule was violated, or atleast a violation or penalty was called by a referee, during the portionof the game associated with the play event.

Graphical tiles may be visually different based, at least in part, onone or more indicators included in a graphical tile. An indicator mayindicate statistics or attributes of a portion of the game associatedwith a play event. For example, graphical tiles 920, 930, and 950include indicators 922, 932, and 952, respectively, which show theyardage gained or lost during the portion of the game corresponding toeach play event. Graphical tile 940 includes indicator 942, whichindicates that a play ended in an incomplete pass. Other indicators maydescribe other features of a drive or play, such as the total distanceof the drive, duration of a play, number of new plays (for example,indicator 1042), or number of plays that are “big” plays (for example,indicator 1052).

Graphical tiles may be visually different based, at least in part, onthe type of recorded media referenced or included in the correspondingplay event. For example, a graphical tile may include an icon of a filmstrip to indicate that the corresponding play event references orincludes a recorded video segment. A graphical tile may include an iconof a picture to indicate that the corresponding play event references orincludes one or more still frame pictures. A graphical tile may includean icon of a speaker to indicate that the corresponding play eventreferences or includes a recorded audio segment. Additionally oralternatively, a graphical tile may include an icon, such as a logo, forthe team associated with the corresponding play event. Graphical tilesmay include a plurality of icons and/or colors.

Graphical tiles may be visually different based on user preference. Forexample, graphical tiles 410, 412, and 414 are visually different thangraphical tiles 416 and 418. Graphical tiles 410, 412, and 414 includelinks 411, 413, and 415, respectively, which may link to a video and/oraudio recording of one or more plays. Accordingly, when any of links411, 413, or 415 are selected by a user, application 400 may present thelinked media to the user. In contrast, the entire graphical tile ofgraphical tiles 416 and 418 may be a link to the media referenced in thecorresponding play event. Accordingly, when either of graphical tiles416 or 418 is selected by a user, application 400 may present the linkedmedia to the user. For example, if a user selects graphical tile 418,application 400 may adjust the size of graphical tile 418 and displaythe linked media, and/or the controls to the linked media, insidegraphical tile 418.

A graphical tile may correspond to a play event that comprises a set ofplay events. For example, in response to a user selecting eithergraphical tiles 416 or 418, each of which may correspond to a play eventthat comprises a set of play events, application 400 may display newgraphical tiles to the user. Each of the new graphical tiles maycorrespond to a play event in the set of play events. Each of the playevents in the set of play events may correspond to a play in a drive. Inresponse to a user selecting one of the new graphical tiles, application400 may present the user with the media included or referenced in thecorresponding play event. Additionally or alternatively, in response toa user selecting either graphical tile 416 or 418, application 400 maydisplay a drive chart. A drive chart, described in detail below,illustrates the forward progress of each play in a set of plays.

Additionally or alternatively, in response to a user selecting eithergraphical tiles 416 or 418, each of which may correspond to a play eventthat comprises a set of play events, new graphical tiles may bedisplayed to the user. Each of the new graphical tiles may correspond toa play event in the set of play events. Each of the play events in theset of play events may correspond to the same play or segment of thegame, but from a different perspective, such as different camera angleand/or commentator. In response to a user selecting one of the newgraphical tiles, application 400 may present to the user the mediaincluded or referenced in the corresponding play event.

Graphical tiles 410, 412, 414, 416, and 418 may be ordered withingraphical tile list 405 in a chronological order. For example in FIG. 4Band FIG. 4D, graphical tile 416 corresponds with a play event that ismore recent than graphical tile 418. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4B and FIG. 4D, graphical tile list 405 lists graphical tiles inreverse chronological order. Accordingly, graphical tile 416 is listedbefore graphical tile 418 in graphical tile list 405.

3.2 Super Graphical Tiles and Nested Graphical Tiles

In an embodiment, a super graphical tile may be a graphical tile thatmay reference or include one or more other graphical tiles. A supergraphical tile may comprise any of the features discussed hereinregarding graphical tiles and therefore, for brevity, a super graphicaltile may be referred to as a graphical tile. For example, a supergraphical tile may correspond to a drive that comprises a set of plays.Each play in the set of plays may correspond to a play event in a set ofplay events. And, each play event may be graphically illustrated as agraphical tile, or nested graphical tile. A nested graphical tile may bea graphical tile that is illustrated as part of, or included in, anothergraphical tile, or super graphical tile. A nested graphical tile maycomprise any of the features discussed herein regarding graphical tilesand therefore, for brevity, a nested graphical tile may be referred toas a graphical tile. For example, FIG. 4E illustrates graphical tilelist 405, which includes super graphical tile 910 and super graphicaltile 990, each of which represent a drive, in an example embodiment.Super graphical tile 910 corresponds to a drive that comprises fourplays. Each play, of the four plays in the drive, corresponds to a playevent that is represented by a nested graphical tile: graphical tile920, graphical tile 930, graphical tile 940, and graphical tile 950.

A super graphical tile may reference or include one or more other supergraphical tiles. For example, FIG. 4F illustrates graphical tile list405, which includes super graphical tile 1010, super graphical tile1020, and super graphical tile 1030. Each super graphical tile of supergraphical tiles 1010, 1020, and 1030, represent time periods within agame and include links to graphical tiles, or super graphical tiles,that correspond with drives or plays in a game. As a specific example,super graphical tile 1010 includes link 1016, which may be a link to asuper graphical tile that corresponds to a drive in the third quarterthat ends in a field goal. As another specific example, super graphicaltile 1010 includes link 1018, which may be a link to a super graphicaltile that corresponds to a drive in the third quarter that ends in atouchdown. Alternatively, link 1018 may be a link to a graphical tilethat corresponds to a play that ends in a touchdown.

A super graphical tile may be selected to reveal additional graphicaltiles in graphical tile list 405. For example, super graphical tile 1040may be a link to one or more graphical tiles (including super graphicaltiles or nested graphical tiles) that correspond to play events thatwere recently generated or received. In response to receiving input thata user selected super graphical tile 1040, the linked graphical tilesmay be displayed in graphical tile list 405. Also for example, supergraphical tile 1050 may be a link to one or more graphical tiles(including super graphical tiles or nested graphical tiles) thatcorrespond to play events that are deemed to be highlights, or “big”plays or drives. In response to receiving input that a user selectedsuper graphical tile 1050, the linked graphical tiles may be displayedin graphical tile list 405.

Graphical tiles may be displayed in different visual formats and withdifferent data. For example, graphical tiles 910, 920, 930, 940, 950,1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and 1050 each include different data in variousvisual formats. Graphical tile 910 includes indicator 912, whichdescribes which team possesses the ball during the corresponding drive.Also for example, graphical tile 920 includes an image from, and a link(link 926) to, a video clip, referenced by the play event thatcorresponds to graphical tile 920. In contrast, graphical tiles 930,940, 950, 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and 1050 do not include an image or alink to play a video. In another example, graphical tile 920 includes alonger description than graphical tiles 930, 940, or 950.

Links may be visually different based on the team associated with theplay event corresponding to the linked graphical tile. For example, link1026 may be a different color than link 1028. Accordingly, link 1026 maylink to a graphical tile that is associated with a first team, and link1028 may link to a graphical tile that is associated with a second team.

In FIG. 4E and FIG. 4F, the two most recent drives are illustrated insuper tile 910 and super tile 990, and previous drives are grouped intoother super tiles which summarize one or more portions of the game:super graphical tile 1010, super graphical tile 1020, super graphicaltile 1030, super graphical tile 1040, and super graphical tile 1050.Some super graphical tiles, which summarize one or more portions orplays of the game, may group together graphical tiles representing playsor drives based on game clock time. For example, super graphical tile1010, which corresponds to the third quarter of a game, includes links(link 1016 and link 1018) to two super graphical tiles representing twodrives that took place during the third quarter. Some super graphicaltiles, which summarize one or portions of the game, may group togethergraphical tiles representing plays or drives based on the type of play.For example, super graphical tile 1050 includes a link to at least twographical tiles representing plays or drives which are designated as“highlights” of the game. A super graphical tile that summarizes one ormore portions or plays of a game may include and/or link to graphicaltiles already listed in graphical tile list 405.

Graphical tiles may be included in graphical tile list before or aftersuper graphical tiles that summarize one or portions of the game. Forexample, the most recent graphical tiles may be included first ingraphical tile list 405, followed by one or more super graphical tilesthat summarize one or portions of the game. Additional graphical tilesmay be included in graphical tile list 405 below super graphical tile1050, which summarizes one or more portions of the game. The most recentgraphical tiles may be a particular number of the most recentlygenerated graphical tiles (for example, the last two generated graphicaltiles). Additionally or alternatively, the most recent graphical tilesmay be the graphical tiles that represent plays or drives that tookplace in the game within a particular amount of time (for example, thecurrent quarter or the last ten minutes).

3.3 Play Event Icons

In FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, and FIG. 4D, bar 450 includes play eventicons 460, 462, 464, 466, and 468. Each of play event icons 460, 462,464, 466, and 468 may be associated with, or may correspond to, a playevent. Furthermore, each of play event icons 460, 462, 464, 466, and 468may be associated with, or may correspond to, a graphical tile ingraphical tile list 405. For the purpose of illustrating a clearexample, assume play event icon 462 corresponds to the same play eventas graphical tile 416. Accordingly, play event icon 462 may beassociated with graphical tile 416. Similarly, play event icon 464 maycorrespond to the same play event as graphical tile 418. Accordingly,play event icon 464 with graphical tile 418.

Play event icons may be color coded based, at least in part, on thecorresponding play event. For example, play event icon 462 may be shadeddifferently than play event icon 464. Furthermore, for the purpose ofillustrating a clear example, assume that the play event thatcorresponds to play event icon 462 is associated with a first team.Accordingly, play event icon 462 may be displayed with a first color.Further assume that the play event that corresponds to play event icon464 is associated with a second team. Accordingly, play event icon 464may be displayed with a second, different color. The color(s) assignedto a play event icon may be designated in the play event icon'scorresponding play event, or the team color(s) of the team associatedwith the corresponding play event.

Additionally or alternatively, a play event icon may visually correspondwith the corresponding graphical tile. For example, play event icon 462has cross-hatching similar to graphical tile 416. Likewise, play eventicon 464 does not have cross-hatching since graphical tile 418 also doesnot have cross-hatching.

Play event icons may be visually different based, at least in part, onthe types of plays the corresponding play event is associated with. Forexample, a play event icon may include an icon with an upright stand toindicate that the corresponding play event is associated with a fieldgoal or extra point. A play event icon may include an icon with armsextended upright to indicate that the corresponding play event isassociated with a score, such as a touchdown. A play event icon mayinclude an icon with arms crossed to indicate that the correspondingplay event is associated with a personal foul. Additionally oralternatively, a play event icon may include an image, such as a logo,for the team associated with the corresponding play event.

The position of each play event icon in the bar may be based, at leastin part, on the location of the corresponding graphical tile in thegraphical tile list 405. For example, in FIG. 4B, expanded frame 454covers play event icons 462 and 464 because corresponding graphicaltiles 416 and 418 are currently in view within graphical tile list 405.Similarly, in FIG. 4D, expanded indicator 458 underscores play eventicons 462 and 464 because corresponding graphical tiles 416 and 418 arecurrently in view within graphical tile list 405.

The position of each play event icon in the bar may be based, at leastin part, on the starting and/or ending game clock time of thecorresponding play event. For purposes of illustrating a clear example,assume that each quarter in a game is fourteen minutes long. Asillustrated in graphical tile 418, the game clock starting time isapproximately half way through the second quarter. Accordingly, playevent icon 464, which corresponds with the same play event thatgraphical tile 418 corresponds to, is located approximately half thedistance between markers 472 and 473, since markers 472 and 473 indicatethe beginning of the second quarter and the third quarter, respectively.

A play event icon need not be displayed for all graphical tiles. Forexample, no play event icon precedes play event icon 464 during thesecond quarter, but a graphical tile is depicted in FIG. 4B thatcorresponds to a play event that starts with eight minutes and fifteenseconds left in the second quarter according to the game clock asillustrated in the graphical tile.

A play event icon may be displayed based, at least in part, on thecorresponding play event indicating that the play event is marked as, ordetermined to be, important. For example, a play event may be determinedto be important if any of the following are indicated in the play event:a different team has possession of the ball at the end of the play, ateam scores, and/or a team has progressed the position of the ball aparticular distance. Also for example, a play event may be determined tobe important if an “important” field is selected. The “important” fieldmay be selected automatically by an application or device distributingplay events or by application 400. Additionally or alternatively, the“important” field may be selected manually by an operator or user,either before or after application 400 receives the play event.

3.4 Markers

In FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4C, and FIG. 4D, bar 450 includes markers 471,472, and 473. Markers may indicate particular milestones within a game,such as the beginning of a quarter, period, or overtime. For example,marker 471 marks the beginning of the first quarter of a game.Accordingly, marker 471 is labeled “Q1”. Similarly, markers 472 and 473indicate the beginning of the second quarter and the third quarter,respectively. Markers may also mark particular penalties or othermilestones or times within a game. Markers need not be associated withany play event. Additionally or alternatively, markers may be associatedwith a time or timestamp corresponding to a game clock or other time.Additionally or alternatively, application 400 may display markerswithin a graphical tile list, such as graphical tile list 405.

The position of the markers in the bar may be based, at least in part,on the play event icons displayed in the bar. For example, marker 472,which indicates the beginning of the second quarter, precedes play eventicons 462 and 464 in bar 450, because the play events corresponding toplay event icons 462 and 464 take place during the second quarter asindicated in corresponding graphical tiles 416 and 418. Accordingly,marker 473 follows play event icons 462 and 464, since the position ofmarker 473 indicates the beginning of the third quarter.

The position of the markers in the bar may be based, at least in part,on the game clock or other time. For purposes of illustrating a clearexample, assume that the length of the first quarter is the same as thelength of the second quarter, at least according to the game clock.Accordingly, marker 471 may be the same distance from marker 472, asmarker 472 is from marker 473.

3.5 Frames and Indicators

Frames and indicators may be used to visually indicate which graphicaltiles are being displayed. For example, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate alinearly movable and expandable frame, FIG. 4A illustrates collapsedframe 452 and FIG. 4B illustrates expanded frame 454. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4A, displaying collapsed frame 452 nearest to thetext, “LIVE”, indicates that one or more of the present or most currentplay events, which have been received by application 400, are currentlydisplayed as graphical tiles in graphical tile list 405. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, expanded frame 454, which covers playevent icons 462 and 464, indicates that corresponding graphical tiles416 and 418 are currently visible in graphical tile list 405.

Additionally or alternatively, the frame, or a portion of the frame, maybe selectable and may be used to scroll through graphical tiles. Forexample, in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, collapsed frame 452 and expanded frame454 may be selected by a user. According to user input, the collapsedframe 452 and/or expanded frame 454 may move along bar 450.

Furthermore, the graphical tiles that correspond with the play eventicons covered by either collapsed frame 452 or expanded frame 454 may bevisible in graphical tile list 405.

Additionally or alternatively, the graphical tiles listed in graphicaltile list 405 may be scrolled through. Accordingly, an indicator in bar450 may be updated to visually indicate which graphical tiles arecurrently displayed. For example, FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D illustrate alinearly movable and expandable indicator. FIG. 4C illustrates collapsedindicator 456. FIG. 4D illustrates expanded indicator 458. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4C, displaying collapsed indicator 456nearest to the text, “LIVE”, indicates that one or more of the presentor most current play events, which have been received by application400, are currently displayed as graphical tiles in graphical tile list405. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4D, expanded indicator 458,which underscores play event icons 462 and 464, indicates thatcorresponding graphical tiles 416 and 418 are currently visible ingraphical tile list 405.

Additionally or alternatively, a marker or scrubber may be used toindicate which graphical tiles may be visible in graphical tile list405.

3.6 Drive Chart

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a drive chart on an examplemobile device 40 of FIG. 1A, in an example embodiment. Example mobiledevice 40 includes touch screen display 592 on which graphicalrepresentation 500 of the live sporting event is displayed. In thisexample, the live sporting event is a professional American football.However, a graphical representation of other live sporting events may bedisplayed in other embodiments. For example, the graphicalrepresentation may be of a soccer game, a basketball game, a baseballgame, a hockey game, etc.

Graphical representation 500 includes a representation 505 of theplaying area. In this example, playing area representation 505 is of aprofessional American football field showing the end zones, fieldboundaries, and yardage markings. A different playing arearepresentation 505 may be displayed for other live sporting events. Forexample, the playing area representation may be of a soccer field, abasketball court, a baseball field, a hockey rink, etc.

Graphical representation 500 also includes recent play indicators 510through 550. In this example, the five most recent plays are shown withrecent play indicators 510 through 550, each indicator indicating theyardage gained, or lost, by the team currently in possession of thefootball. In particular, the most recent play is illustrated by playindicator 510 is a gain of 18 yards. The second most recent play,illustrated by play indicator 520, is a gain of twelve yards. The thirdmost recent play, illustrated by play indicator 530, is a gain of sixyears. The fourth most recent play, illustrated by play indicator 540,is a gain of fourteen yards. And, the fifth most recent play,illustrated by play indicator 550, is a touchback.

In the current example, each of the recent play indicators 510-550indicates a number of aspects of the corresponding play. In one aspect,each of the recent play indicators 510-550 indicates the location(s) ofthe play relative to the playing field illustrated in playing arearepresentation 505. For example, recent play indicator 540 indicatesthat the corresponding play started at the twenty yard line and that thefootball was advanced to the thirty-four yard line. In another aspect,each of the recent play indicators 510-550 indicates the direction thecorresponding play is moving relative to the playing field. For example,recent play indicator 510 indicates that during the corresponding playSan Francisco advanced the football toward the Miami end zone. In yetanother aspect, each of the recent play indicators 510-550 indicates theamount of the playing field covered by the corresponding play. Forexample, recent play indicator 530 indicates that the corresponding playcovered six yards. Recent play indicators may indicate other playinformation. For example, recent play indicators may indicate playerinformation (e.g., player name(s) and/or player number(s) involved inthe play), timing information (e.g., game time occurrence of the playand/or play time length), touch backs, or scoring plays. Recent playindicators can indicate different play aspects for different types oflive sporting events. For example, recent play indicators for a soccergame, basketball, game, or hockey game may indicate that a shot attemptwas made, where on the playing field the shot was taken, which playertook the shot, and the result of the shot attempt.

Additionally, each of the recent play indicators 510-550 may be a linkcorresponding to a play event. Accordingly, in response to a userselecting one of recent play indicators 510-550, the application maypresent the media included or referenced in the corresponding playevent.

3.7 Application

Application 400 may also be an application running on a computing devicesuch as one of the mobile devices 40 of FIG. 1A. For example,application 400 may be a mobile application running on a mobile device,such as a mobile phone or tablet. Application 400 may also be anapplication running on a desktop or laptop computer.

Application 400 may be restricted, such that one or more features may beperformed during select times and/or places. For example, application400 may be configured to perform during a particular game, and may beconfigured to terminate performance of one or more features after thegame has finished. Also for example, application 400 may be configuredto perform one or more features while the device, which application 400is running on, is within a particular distance from the location thatthe game is, or was, being played at, and to terminate performance ofthe one or more features otherwise.

4.0 Hardware Overview

According to one embodiment, the techniques described herein areimplemented by one or more special-purpose computing devices. Thespecial-purpose computing devices may be hard-wired to perform thetechniques, or may include digital electronic devices such as one ormore application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs) that are persistently programmed toperform the techniques, or may include one or more general purposehardware processors programmed to perform the techniques pursuant toprogram instructions in firmware, memory, other storage, or acombination. Such special-purpose computing devices may also combinecustom hard-wired logic, ASICs, or FPGAs with custom programming toaccomplish the techniques. The special-purpose computing devices may bedesktop computer systems, portable computer systems, handheld devices,networking devices or any other device that incorporates hard-wiredand/or program logic to implement the techniques.

For example, FIG. 8 is a block diagram that illustrates a computersystem 800 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented.Computer system 800 includes a bus 802 or other communication mechanismfor communicating information, and a hardware processor 804 coupled withbus 802 for processing information. Hardware processor 804 may be, forexample, a general purpose microprocessor.

Computer system 800 also includes a main memory 806, such as a randomaccess memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 802for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor804. Main memory 806 also may be used for storing temporary variables orother intermediate information during execution of instructions to beexecuted by processor 804. Such instructions, when stored innon-transitory storage media accessible to processor 804, rendercomputer system 800 into a special-purpose machine that is customized toperform the operations specified in the instructions.

Computer system 800 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 808 orother static storage device coupled to bus 802 for storing staticinformation and instructions for processor 804. A storage device 810,such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus802 for storing information and instructions.

Computer system 800 may be coupled via bus 802 to a display 812, such asa cathode ray tube (CRT), for displaying information to a computer user.An input device 814, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupledto bus 802 for communicating information and command selections toprocessor 804. Another type of user input device is cursor control 816,such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicatingdirection information and command selections to processor 804 and forcontrolling cursor movement on display 812. This input device typicallyhas two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and asecond axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in aplane.

Computer system 800 may implement the techniques described herein usingcustomized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and/orprogram logic which in combination with the computer system causes orprograms computer system 800 to be a special-purpose machine. Accordingto one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computersystem 800 in response to processor 804 executing one or more sequencesof one or more instructions contained in main memory 806. Suchinstructions may be read into main memory 806 from another storagemedium, such as storage device 810. Execution of the sequences ofinstructions contained in main memory 806 causes processor 804 toperform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware instructions.

The term “storage media” as used herein refers to any non-transitorymedia that store data and/or instructions that cause a machine tooperation in a specific fashion. Such storage media may comprisenon-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes,for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 810.Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 806. Commonforms of storage media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexibledisk, hard disk, solid state drive, magnetic tape, or any other magneticdata storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium,any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, aFLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip or cartridge.

Storage media is distinct from but may be used in conjunction withtransmission media. Transmission media participates in transferringinformation between storage media. For example, transmission mediaincludes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including thewires that comprise bus 802. Transmission media can also take the formof acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-waveand infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequencesof one or more instructions to processor 804 for execution. For example,the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solidstate drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over atelephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 800 canreceive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitterto convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector canreceive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriatecircuitry can place the data on bus 802. Bus 802 carries the data tomain memory 806, from which processor 804 retrieves and executes theinstructions. The instructions received by main memory 806 mayoptionally be stored on storage device 810 either before or afterexecution by processor 804.

Computer system 800 also includes a communication interface 818 coupledto bus 802. Communication interface 818 provides a two-way datacommunication coupling to a network link 820 that is connected to alocal network 822. For example, communication interface 818 may be anintegrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellitemodem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to acorresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communicationinterface 818 may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a datacommunication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also beimplemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 818sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals thatcarry digital data streams representing various types of information.

Network link 820 typically provides data communication through one ormore networks to other data devices. For example, network link 820 mayprovide a connection through local network 822 to a host computer 824 orto data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 826.ISP 826 in turn provides data communication services through the worldwide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the“Internet” 828. Local network 822 and Internet 828 both use electrical,electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. Thesignals through the various networks and the signals on network link 820and through communication interface 818, which carry the digital data toand from computer system 800, are example forms of transmission media.

Computer system 800 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), network link 820 and communicationinterface 818. In the Internet example, a server 830 might transmit arequested code for an application program through Internet 828, ISP 826,local network 822 and communication interface 818.

The received code may be executed by processor 804 as it is received,and/or stored in storage device 810, or other non-volatile storage forlater execution.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have beendescribed with reference to numerous specific details that may vary fromimplementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention,and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention,is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue fromthis application, in the specific form in which such claims issue,including any subsequent correction.

5.0 Extensions and Alternatives

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have beendescribed with reference to numerous specific details that may vary fromimplementation to implementation. Thus, the sole and exclusive indicatorof what is the invention, and is intended by the applicants to be theinvention, is the set of claims that issue from this application, in thespecific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequentcorrection. Any definitions expressly set forth herein for termscontained in such claims shall govern the meaning of such terms as usedin the claims. Hence, no limitation, element, property, feature,advantage or attribute that is not expressly recited in a claim shouldlimit the scope of such claim in any way. The specification and drawingsare, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than arestrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: wirelessly receiving, by amobile computing device and from a local area network (LAN) of astadium, eXtensible Markup Language (XML) format real time play eventdata that has been generated from computers associated with gamecoverage personnel within the stadium and representing a plurality ofplay events associated with a possession by a team during a sportingevent in the stadium, wherein each play event comprises a play tag or abig play tag, an initial location on a playing field where the playevent began, a direction of the play event, a textual description of theplay and a reference to a recorded video of the play described in thetextual description with an address to retrieve the recorded video;using the mobile computing device, displaying a graphical representationof the playing field on a screen of the mobile computing device, whereindisplaying the graphical representation occurs only while a distancethreshold exceeds a distance of the mobile device from the playingfield, wherein displaying a graphical representation of the playingfield occurs only while a duration threshold exceeds a duration since anend of the sporting event; and using the mobile computing device,displaying a graphical drive chart that includes, for each play event ofthe plurality of play events: analyzing the play tag or big play tag ofthe play event to determine at least one play status of: the play isimportant or the play is a scoring play; based on the reference to therecorded video, displaying a graphical tile in the graphical drive chartand including an icon to indicate that a corresponding play includes therecorded video and comprising a link to the recorded video and causingpresenting the recorded video on the mobile computing device in responseto selection of the graphical tile; displaying a play event indicator onthe graphical representation of the playing field at the initiallocation of the play event, wherein the play event indicator shows thedirection of the play event; and displaying, on the play eventindicator, at least one play status of: the play is important or theplay is a scoring play.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein each play eventcomprises a final location on the playing field where the play eventended, and displaying a play event indicator comprises, using the mobilecomputing device, displaying a play event indicator whose length ends atthe final location on the playing field where the play event ended. 3.The method of claim 1 wherein displaying a graphical representation ofthe playing field comprises, using the mobile computing device,indicating which team has possession by displaying at least one of: ateam name, a team city, and a team logo.
 4. The method of claim 1wherein each play event comprises a score attempt flag that indicates ascore attempt during the play event if set, and wherein displaying aplay event indicator comprises, using the mobile computing device,displaying, on or near the play event indicator, an indication of ascore attempt if the score attempt flag is set.
 5. The method of claim 1wherein each play event comprises a score accrued during the play event,and wherein displaying a play event indicator comprises, using themobile computing device, displaying, on or near the play eventindicator, the score accrued.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein each playevent comprises a player that scored, and wherein displaying a playevent indicator comprises, using the mobile computing device,displaying, on or near the play event indicator, the player that scored.7. The method claim 1 wherein displaying the graphical tile furthercomprises, using the mobile computing device, adjusting a size of thegraphical tile in response to selection of the graphical tile to displaythe recorded video and controls for the recorded video inside thegraphical tile.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein each play eventcomprises a distance advanced during the play event; wherein displayingon the play event indicator comprises displaying, on the play eventindicator, a number that represents said distance advanced during theplay event.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein each play event comprises aname of a player that carried the ball during the play event; whereindisplaying on the play event indicator comprises displaying, on the playevent indicator, said name of said player that carried the ball duringthe play event.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein each play eventcomprises a time on a game clock at the start of the play event; whereindisplaying on the play event indicator comprises displaying, on the playevent indicator, said time on said game clock at the start of the playevent.
 11. A method comprising: wirelessly receiving, by a mobilecomputing device and from a local area network (LAN) of a stadium,eXtensible Markup Language (XML) format real time play event data thathas been generated from computers associated with game coveragepersonnel within the stadium and representing a plurality of play eventsassociated with a possession by a team during an American football game,wherein each play event in the data comprises a play tag or big playtag, an initial location on a playing field where the play event began,a direction of the play event, a first textual description of the playand a reference to a recorded video of the play described in the textualdescription with an address to retrieve the recorded video and one ormore second textual descriptions related to a referenced video; usingthe mobile computing device, displaying a graphical representation ofthe playing field on a screen of the mobile computing device, whereindisplaying the graphical representation occurs only while a distancethreshold exceeds a distance of the mobile device from the playingfield; and using the mobile computing device, displaying a graphicaldrive chart that includes, for each play event of the plurality of playevents: analyzing the play tag or big play tag of each play event of theplurality of play events to determine at least one play status of: theplay is important or the play is a scoring play; based on the referenceto the recorded video, displaying a graphical tile in the graphicaldrive chart and including an icon to indicate that a corresponding playincludes the recorded video and comprising a link to the recorded videoand causing presenting the second textual description and the recordedvideo on the mobile computing device in response to selection of thegraphical tile; displaying a play event indicator on the graphicalrepresentation of the playing field at the initial location of the playevent; and displaying, on the play event indicator, at least one playstatus of: the play is important or the play is a scoring play; whereinthe play event indicator shows the direction of the play event; whereineach play event comprises a final location on the playing field wherethe play event ended, and displaying a play event indicator comprises,using the mobile computing device, displaying a play event indicatorwhose length ends at the final location on the playing field where theplay event ended.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein each play eventcomprises a distance advanced during the play event, and displaying aplay event indicator comprises, using the mobile computing device,displaying, on or near the play event indicator, the distance advanced.13. The method of claim 12 wherein displaying a graphical representationof the playing field comprises, using the mobile computing device,indicating which team has possession by displaying at least one of: ateam name, a team city, and a team logo.
 14. The method of claim 12wherein each play event comprises a score attempt flag that indicates ascore attempt during the play event if set, and wherein displaying aplay event indicator comprises, using the mobile computing device,displaying, on or near the play event indicator, an indication of ascore attempt if the score attempt flag is set.
 15. The method of claim12 wherein each play event comprises a score accrued during the playevent, and wherein displaying a play event indicator comprises, usingthe mobile computing device, displaying, on or near the play eventindicator, the score accrued.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein eachplay event comprises a player that scored, and wherein displaying a playevent indicator comprises, using the mobile computing device,displaying, on or near the play event indicator, the player that scored.17. The method claim 12 wherein displaying a play event indicatorcomprises, using the mobile computing device, displaying a widget that,when selected, shows a video clip of the play event.
 18. The method ofclaim 12 wherein displaying a graphical representation of the playingfield occurs only while a duration threshold exceeds a duration since anend of the American football game.
 19. A mobile computing devicecomprising: a wireless communication interface configured to receivedata representing play events; a display; a processor connected to thedisplay and the wireless communication interface; a computer-readablestorage medium coupled to the processor and storing instructions whichwhen executed by the processor, cause: from a local area network (LAN)of a stadium and through the wireless communication interface, receivingeXtensible Markup Language (XML) format real time play event data thathas been generated from computers associated with game coveragepersonnel within the stadium and representing a plurality of play eventsassociated with a possession by a team during an American football game,wherein each play event in the data comprises a play tag or big playtag, an initial location on a playing field where the play event began,a direction of the play event, a textual description of the play and areference to a recorded video of the play described in the textualdescription with an address to retrieve the recorded video; on thedisplay, displaying a graphical representation of the playing field on ascreen of the mobile computing device, wherein displaying the graphicalrepresentation occurs only while a distance threshold exceeds a distanceof the mobile device from the playing field; and displaying a graphicaldrive chart that includes, for each play event of the plurality of playevents: analyzing the play tag or big play tag of the play event todetermine at least one play status of: the play is important or the playis a scoring play; based on the reference to the recorded video,displaying a graphical tile in the graphical drive chart and includingan icon to indicate that a corresponding play includes the recordedvideo and comprising a link to the recorded video and causing presentingthe recorded video on the mobile computing device in response toselection of the graphical tile; displaying a play event indicator onthe graphical representation of the playing field at the initiallocation of the play event; and displaying, on the play event indicator,at least one play status of: the play is important or the play is ascoring play; wherein the play event indicator shows the direction ofthe play event; wherein each play event comprises a final location onthe playing field where the play event ended, and displaying a playevent indicator comprises displaying a play event indicator whose lengthends at the final location on the playing field where the play eventended.
 20. The mobile computing device of claim 19, thecomputer-readable medium further comprising instructions which whenexecuted cause adjusting a size of the graphical tile in response toselection of the graphical tile to display the recorded video andcontrols for the recorded video inside the graphical tile.